Railroad Cll: What Nobody Is Talking About

How Railroad Exposures Increase the Risk of Lung Cancer

Rail transports a wide variety of goods, Railroad esophageal Cancer including grain vehicles and lumber. Railroad workers are surrounded by dangerous fumes and chemicals which increase the chance of developing cancers, like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Lung cancer is typically caused through the inhalation of toxins such benzene and fibers such asbestos. Exposure to these toxic substances can cause lung cancer that manifests 10 to 40 years after exposure.

Diesel Exhaust

When diesel fuel is burned, it produces particulates. These particles are so tiny that they can penetrate into the lungs, where they can cause irritation and eventually damage. The chemical compounds in diesel fumes can be harmful, as are carcinogens, such as arsenic dioxin, and benzene.

Since World War II when diesel engines replaced steam-powered locomotives the Railroad Esophageal Cancer industry has been exposed to carcinogens each day. The Railroad Lymphoma industry has among the highest rates of lung cancer among all major Railroad Esophageal Cancer industries in America.

Research shows that exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to lung cancer. In laboratory experiments, the heavy exposure to diesel exhaust may cause DNA changes in cells, which could cause to cancer. This is also the case in human studies, however it is difficult to monitor other factors that could affect lung cancer risk such as smoking cigarettes.

Peer-reviewed research has shown that exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD and reduces lung function. These studies include cohort mortality studies, as and nested case control studies. After making adjustments for asbestos and tobacco exposure, those with more than 20 years of diesel exposure were more likely to developing lung cancer.

Asbestos

In the 1930s, asbestos was a popular material for railroad cars as well as other industrial equipment. It was an insulator as well as fire retardant and resistant. It also posed a health hazard. It can cause serious lung diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and the development of pleural effusions (fluid build-up in the lungs).

Asbestos fibers can be easily inhaled when they break down. If inhaled, they can trigger stomach, colon, and rectum tumors. The symptoms of these diseases can take between 15 and 30 years to appear after exposure to asbestos. This is known as a latency phase.

Engineers, conductors and yardmasters who work in the railroad industry are at greatest risk of contracting asbestos-related illnesses. These employees handled the materials in the process of manufacturing, shipping and installation. They were often disturbed by asbestos fibers that were strewn around during cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. Workers are also at risk for breathing in these toxic substances if they work in workplaces like rail yards.

Regardless of the kind of carcinogen they are exposed to, Railroad Cll workers should follow certain safety protocols to reduce their risk. These include washing and disinfecting their clothes as well as removing wet rags and wet stains from PPE (personal protective equipment) in an order that is specific and double bagging waste to be disposed of. This will ensure that a worker is not exposed to diesel exhaust or asbestos. Employ industrial hygiene experts who can inspect the workplace for asbestos or any other dangers.

Benzene

It is a chemical that is found in the fumes from diesel locomotives and in a number of degreasing solvents. Exposure to these chemicals over time increases the risk of lung cancer as well as other respiratory diseases. The exposure to benzene can also increase the chance of developing leukemia. Leukemia is a kind of blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow and later spreads to other areas of the body. Benzene is known to trigger chromosome modifications in bone marrow cells, and these chromosome mutations are often seen in people with leukemia.

A variety of national agencies and international organizations examine substances in the environmental to determine whether these substances can cause cancer or promote its growth. If they are, these substances are classified as cancerous and have to be controlled at work. Benzene has been tested extensively and has been proven to be a carcinogen in both animals and humans.

A short-term exposure to benzene through inhalation can cause irritation to the nose, eyes and throat headaches, dizziness and headaches. vomiting, and tremors. It can also cause breathing problems. If benzene gets onto the skin, it can cause redness, burning and blisters. Ingestion of benzene could cause problems with the lung and heart and a coma, or even death.

Long-term exposure could cause other health issues, such as reproductive organ damage, a weakened immune system and anemia. Studies have revealed that pregnant women who breathe high levels of benzene during their pregnancy may suffer from low birth weights and premature babies. Children who are exposed to benzene in their drinking water may develop serious health issues which include leukemia. The people who lived at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and were employed there were exposed high levels of benzene.

Other Carcinogens

Railroad Rad workers have been exposed for a long time to carcinogens both physical and chemical. This could affect their health. They are at a higher-than-average risk of developing cancer and other chronic illnesses. Some of these conditions include mesothelioma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, bladder cancer and esophageal cancer. Some even die due to exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and other dangerous substances.

Some of these carcinogens appear on lists compiled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Toxicology Program. If a substance or exposure is listed, it indicates there is evidence that it can cause cancer in humans. Some may only cause cancer in certain people or under specific circumstances like how long or severe the exposure or whether someone has a specific genetic makeup.

The body responds in three different ways to carcinogens. The body may attempt to repair the damage, some cells may die, or DNA may mutate. These changes can stimulate cell growth, which may result in cancer. The kind of cancer and the way it develops is dependent on the type of carcinogen used and how long and intense the exposure is. Exposure to these chemicals can also cause other medical conditions such as COPD and fibrosis. Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with a health issue that they believe is due to their exposure to carcinogens could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employer’s Liability Act.